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E82 / E88 1 Series (2008 - 2013) BMWs throw back to the iconic 2002, with a renewed form and function. The smallest car in BMW's line up but still packs a punch. Available in coupe or convertible, powered by either an inline 6 in the 128 or the twin turbo rocket sled 135.

The e87 130i is faster, of course. It also has that classic inline-6 sound and feel. Fuel in the UK is around £1.45 per litre. The e87 is also out of warranty. The interior on the e87 looks dated. The base models have cheap feeling cloth but a 130i will probably have uprated cloth or leather.

The F20 has much more room inside, especially in the back seats. The motor doesn't feel or sound like a MINI even though they share the same PSA-BMW joint design motor. It doesn't feel or sound like a typical BMW either. Left leg room was a bit cramped on the F20. Depends on your driving position. New car warranty is a big advantage over an e87.

The models and equipment (standard and optional) illustrated in this post reflect my misunderstanding of vehicles supplied by BMW AG to the German market. In other EU member states, the truthyness of my posts may vary. Please ignore this post. Subject to change.

The e87 130i is faster, of course. It also has that classic inline-6 sound and feel. Fuel in the UK is around £1.45 per litre. The e87 is also out of warranty. The interior on the e87 looks dated. The base models have cheap feeling cloth but a 130i will probably have uprated cloth or leather.

The F20 has much more room inside, especially in the back seats. The motor doesn't feel or sound like a MINI even though they share the same PSA-BMW joint design motor. It doesn't feel or sound like a typical BMW either. Left leg room was a bit cramped on the F20. Depends on your driving position. New car warranty is a big advantage over an e87.

I think a new 1 series on the one hand is a car with modern technologies such as start-stop, regenerative braking etc.. But otherwise ceases to have a few important items such as cruise control, xenon headlights, directional headlights etc etc.

There is a vast improvement in efficiency and fuel consumption in F20, but i miss a engine with soul under the hood...

Those options are available but only as part of expensive bundles. On the UK spec F20 cruise control is part of the £500 Driver Comfort package. Xenons and Adaptive Headlights are in the £1,100 visibility package.

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The models and equipment (standard and optional) illustrated in this post reflect my misunderstanding of vehicles supplied by BMW AG to the German market. In other EU member states, the truthyness of my posts may vary. Please ignore this post. Subject to change.

My hunch is that the F20 is a better "all arounder" but has lost a bit of excitement. I really liked the E87 I drove a few years back and from all the reviews I've read, the F20 has lost some of that in favour of more practicality and eco-friendliness. Of course, a lower tax band due to fewer CO² emissions is always welcome news for the wallet. Unless I had lots of petrol money to spare and beautiful, picturesque mountain roads as my backyard, I'd prob get the F20.